What Are the Best Hidden Fasteners for Composite Decking 2024?

Why Traditional Way to Install WPC Decking Is Less Chosen?

In the early days of WPC decking installation, screws were drilled into the WPC decking surface to secure it to the joist. This method is borrowed from solid wood decking. However, WPC decking contains plastic, resulting in a greater expansion and contraction compared to solid wood. This installation method overly tightens the boards, restricting their natural expansion and contraction range. Consequently, WPC decking becomes susceptible to warping and splitting during temperature changes, compromising its lifespan and safety. Additionally, nails on the decking surface affect its aesthetic appeal.

Why Choose Hidden Fasteners for Composite Decking?

Decking manufacturers have since explored a superior installation method: hidden fasteners. These fasteners attach two WPC decking boards together from the side grooves, rather than the surface, eliminating the need for screws to be fixed directly onto the decking boards. This approach allows for the necessary range of expansion and contraction, thereby enhancing the lifespan of WPC decking and reducing safety risks.

In recent years, a lot of famous decking manufacturers have introduced their own hidden fasteners to the market, showcasing innovative and unique designs. While some designs eliminate the need for nails entirely, others may require fixation using your feet rather than your hands. Therefore, it’s essential to discern which design is practical and effective, and which might be merely a gimmick. Let’s delve deeper into the available options to make an informed decision.

What Are the Main Hidden Fasteners for Composite Decking?

01. Trex Hideaway Universal Hidden Fasteners

Features

Trex Hideaway Universal Hidden Fastener includes 360 self-gapping, glass-filled nylon, universal deck fasteners with preset stainless steel screws. It can create a smooth, screw-free finish and perfectly space Trex deck boards. Use between each grooved-edge board for perfectly consistent spacing and no visible surface screws on the decking.

Pros
● Reasonable design simplifies the installation of composite boards
● Made of durable glass-filled nylon
● Clean, fastener-free appearance across the entire surface, enhancing the overall look

Cons
● Recommended exclusively for grooved-edge Trex composite decking and wood deck framing
● The installation speed is no faster than screwing down the boards
● Screw heads may strip out easily
● Screws are prone to break from slight over-torquing, and removal can be challenging
● Color mismatch with decking boards can occur
● Costly, with a price tag of $0.30 per fastener

Recommendation Rate
★★★☆☆

02. CAMO Edge Clip Hidden Deck Clip

The CAMO Edge Clip Hidden Deck Clip is approved for use with all leading composite, PVC, capped composite, and hardwood grooved boards, featuring a stainless steel screw and gusset for enhanced strength and holding power. Each clip comes fully assembled with a plastic spacer that creates a gap for airflow and drainage. The fastener remains in place for efficient installation, allowing you to pre-lay deck boards before fastening.

Pros
● Approved for use with all popular grooved deck boards
● Features a durable 304 stainless steel gusset and 410 stainless steel screw
● Save time by setting multiple boards before fastening
● Easy to install on joists, creating a uniform 3/16-inch spacing
● Pre-assembled, one-pass fasteners do not require partial installation
● Results in a clean, fastener-free deck surface

Cons
● Designed for grooved deck boards installed in 90° patterns on wood joists only
● The screws are prone to snapping, affecting durability
● The metal clip could benefit from a slightly wider design
● Have to break off a leg to install on sistered joists, then the clip wouldn’t still clip on the joist or stay in place

Recommendation Rate
★★★☆☆

03. DeckWise Ipe Clip ExtremeKD Hidden Deck Fasteners

DeckWise IPE Clip EXTREMEKD hidden deck fasteners feature a 1/4” spacer leg for consistent deck board gaps. These clips work with kiln-dried hardwoods, composites, and PVC decking. Molded from durable polyethylene and stainless steel, they offer maximum holding power. Their patented design ensures fast, easy installation and a smooth deck surface with no visible fasteners. The 45° angled screw installation keeps decking tight to the joist, allowing natural expansion, thus preventing screw pop-ups and maintaining deck sturdiness and beauty.

Pros
● Compatible with a variety of decking materials, including kiln-dried hardwood, composite, and PVC
● Manufactured from polyethylene with stainless steel black oxide insert
● Ensures consistent deck board spacing of 1/4″ (6.4mm)
● Allows for expansion of width of kiln-dried hardwoods and movement of length with composite/PVC decking
● Comes with 3 colors to match different deck color
● Results in a clean, fastener-free deck surface

Cons
● Screw heads may be prone to stripping
● Somewhat higher in price compared to other options
● Light brown color may show through the gaps between the boards
● The spacing may not work for some new grooved composited board
● The bit is not lasting

Recommendation Rate
★★★☆☆

04. Tiger Claw TC-G Hidden Fastening Clip

The TC-G features 304-grade stainless steel, ensuring durability even in saltwater environments and with ACQ or chemically treated lumber. Tiger Claw hidden deck fasteners offer a unique installation process, utilizing heavy gauge stainless steel with a black oxide coating clip. This method creates a seamless finish without visible mounting screws, enhancing the aesthetics of your deck.

Pros
● Compatible with most pre-grooved or groove-able 32mm (5/4″) or thicker decking
● The clip, crafted from durable stainless steel, ensures longevity
● Results in a narrower gap between decking boards
● Simple to use, rapid installation

Cons
● Priced at $0.64 per fastener, a little pricy
● Incompatible with cedar decking
● May require a slightly wider clip for securing butt joints in the decking

05. Feelingwood Fast-Installation Clip

It’s worth mentioning that Feelingwood Fast-Installation Hidden Clip is the only nail-free hidden fastener among these hidden fasteners for composite decking. This innovative deck clip is designed from top-grade nylon material for lasting durability. It secures your deck effortlessly through rotation, saving you valuable time and effort.

Pros
● Nail-free design saves a lot of time and effort
● Better fight against the expansion problems caused by temperature changes

Cons
● Only compatible with Feelingwood’s own Fast-Installation deck and joist
● Don’t sell solely